May 22, 2025
Some weddings don’t unfold in one day—and that’s the beauty of them.
For their elopement at the Sangamon County Courthouse in Springfield, Nathan and Jason created a day that was simple and sweet. From the family focused elopement ceremony, to the fun fall portraits in Washington Park, to the next day reception at Arlington’s in Springfield, everything felt relaxed and SO perfect for them! I’m beyond thrilled to have been a part of it all, and I’m so excited to share it here with you on the blog!
Their Elopement Ceremony at the Sangamon County Courthouse
The day began well before I arrived, with Nathan and Jason spending the first bit of their day getting lunch with their family before their ceremony. It’s this calm and casual approach that really showcases the connection and personality these two share. They adore one another, and love spending time together and with their families, and they wanted their day to be a relaxed celebration of that love! Soon it was time to meet up at the Sangamon County Courthouse for the elopement ceremony, which many of their family members would be present for.
It was a simple and sweet ceremony, exactly what these two wanted for their day! With their niece as their flower girl, and their family members watching in excitement, the two exchanged vows and were officially newlyweds.
After signing their marriage license Nathan and Jason had some time for portrait photos with their pupper before being surprised with a bubble exit as they left the courthouse!
Portraits and a Next Day Reception at Arlington’s
After their elopement ceremony at the Sangamon County Courthouse we headed towards Washington Park Boulevard for some family portraits with the newlyweds.
Their loving families had another surprise in store for these two, a champagne toast! Witnessing and documenting this beautiful love shared between Nathan, Jason, and their families was one of the many highlights from this experience, as was portrait photos with the stunning fall colors that surrounded us.
The ginkgo tree in Washington Park did NOT disappoint when it came to these fall colors, which Nathan was particularly excited for!
The following day I met up with Nathan and Jason at Arlington’s in Springfield for an open house reception for family and friends to take part in. The food was delicious (something you can always count on from Arlington’s), and there were so many board games for everyone to enjoy.
Nathan also 3D printed some fidget toys with their wedding date on it as wedding favors.
The easygoing reception was a perfectly fitting end to an elopement celebration that was tailor made for these two wonderful people!
A huge congratulations to Nathan and Jason! I’m so glad to have been able to document their LGBTQ+ elopement at the Sangamon County Courthouse and Arlington’s in Springfield, IL. If you need help planning your own elopement in Illinois check out this article, and if you’d like me to document your day be sure to send me an inquiry!
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Rachael Marie Photography values inclusivity and will never discriminate against your gender identity, sexual orientation, race, religion, body type, or abilities. You are wonderful, beautiful, and loved here.
For the people who would rather be living the moment than posing for it.
I'm Rachael (she/her) by the way.
I'll give you direction when you need it and space when you don't. I believe the best photos aren't always the ones where everyone is looking at the camera.
Sometimes they're the ones where your best friend is crying. Your grandma is laughing.
Your partner is looking at you when you aren't paying attention. And someone is absolutely losing their mind on the dance floor.
Those are the photos I want to make.
